Overcoming Lust by Makenley

Overcoming Lust by Makenley - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

There was a moment in my life when I discovered a strength I didn’t know I had self-control. For a long time, I struggled with an addiction to lust. It wasn’t something I spoke about openly, and for a while I believed it was a battle I would never truly win. Each setback made me feel weaker, as if this struggle defined me. I convinced myself that overcoming it was impossible.

What changed wasn’t a single dramatic event, but a quiet realization. I reached a point where I was tired of feeling powerless and disconnected from the person I wanted to be. Through prayer, reflection, and discipline, I began to confront the addiction instead of running from it. The process was uncomfortable and humbling, but with every small victory, I gained confidence. I learned that strength isn’t the absence of struggle it’s choosing to fight even when the outcome feels uncertain. Overcoming this addiction reshaped the way I see myself. It showed me that I am capable of change, even when the challenge feels overwhelming. This experience strengthened my faith, sharpened my self-discipline, and taught me patience with myself and others. It also influenced my growth by giving me empathy for people fighting silent battles of their own. Today, when I face obstacles, I remind myself that I’ve already overcome something I once thought was impossible—and that knowledge continues to push me forward.